Our History

St. John's Lutheran Church was founded in 1898 by a small but faithful commmunity of believers. The Rev. William Drach became the first pastor of the congregation, then known as Kirche Evangelische St. Johannes Gemeinde. In 1899 property was purchased at the corner of Linden & Franklin Streets for $3000. Services were held in the basement of the parsonage and the church incorporated under the name St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In 1902 St. John's joined the New York Lutheran Ministerium. 1903 brought a new Estey Chapel Organ to the church for the price of $175 and the formation of the Martha Society for youth, which later became the Luther League. 1906 saw the church become debt free. In 1909 Worship Services were conducted in both English and German. The good Shepherd window was presented and the cornerstone for the new church was laid in 1913. St. John's discontinued services in German in 1935 and had a full-time pastor in 1938 after a congregation in Chester dissolved

Once again the church became debt free in 1945. As the church celebrated its 50th Anniversary the chancel was remodeled and redecorated. As Sunday School grew the Parish house was renovated in 1955. In 1961 the mortgage was burned.

After many discussions and serious consideration, "Renew and Rejoice" kicked off in 1977. The church needed to temporarily relocate while our new home on Mt. Hope was being built. We worshiped in AHRC for two years.

Our history is about more than facts and dates. Our history is great stories of the Saints of St. John's who worshipped here before us, who held clam bakes that were attended by the community, and the members with the forethought to purchase land outside town so that future members could "Rejoice and Proclaim CHRIST for all generations".

St. John's is an activite community of believers. Our Worship Services and Sunday School are well attended. As you can see from the activities listed on the site, there is always something happening within our church home along with reaching out into the communities in which we live. These activities reflect our many talents and gifts. Our light is truly shining for others to see and share with us the good news of Christ. The Fellowship Committee keeps the calendar full of activites and events. The Crafts Guild makes the annual Holiday Bazaar a huge success. We seem to always have food on the table and an open door.

With the completion of the new construction, our doors are open to receive family, friends and guests. New members classes are held on a steady basis as our family is constantly growing. Our Confirmation and Sunday School classes are steadily getting larger. Tommorow our children will be telling stories of the Saints of Today.